Student Dependant Rules in 2025 – Who Can Bring Family to the UK?

Studying in the UK and Worried About Family Rules?

From 2024 onwards, the UK Government introduced tighter regulations on who can bring dependants under the Student Route.
These changes continue into 2025 — affecting international students, their spouses, and children.

At AHJ Immigration, we’ve seen a wave of confusion since the announcement. Many students are unsure whether they can still bring their families, how dependant visas work, and what exceptions remain.

This guide explains everything you need to know — clearly, without legal jargon.

The 2025 Rule Change at a Glance

As of January 2024 onwards (and continuing through 2025):

• Only postgraduate research students (e.g. PhD or Doctorate programmes) can bring dependants.
• Taught postgraduate and undergraduate students can no longer apply to bring dependants unless their course began before the rule change.
• Dependants already in the UK may extend their visas if the main student continues eligible study.

The Home Office stated that the change aims to “reduce migration levels while protecting genuine research students and their families.”

For most international students in 2025, this means dependant applications are only possible if you are studying a PhD, Doctorate, or other research-based qualification.

Who Counts as a Dependant?

The UK Student Route defines dependants as:

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Your unmarried partner (relationship must be at least 2 years old)
• Your child under 18 years old (including those born in the UK during study)

Each dependant must submit a separate visa application and show they can be financially supported without public funds.

Financial Requirements for Dependants in 2025

For each dependant, you must show:

Funds can be in the student’s or dependant’s account and must be easily accessible.

Who Can Still Bring Dependants in 2025?

You can apply for dependant visas if you are:

1. A government-sponsored student studying a course lasting 6 months or longer.
2. A postgraduate research student enrolled on a PhD or Doctorate programme.
3. A student whose course started before 1 January 2024, and dependants were previously granted leave in line with your visa.

If you’re on a taught Master’s degree commencing after that date, you unfortunately cannot bring dependants unless you qualify under one of the exceptions above.

“We see many students who begin their Master’s programmes expecting to bring family, only to discover they’re not eligible under the new rules. It’s vital to check eligibility before planning any dependant applications.”
— Baz Jabbar, Senior Immigration Adviser at AHJ Immigration

What If Your Dependants Are Already in the UK?

If your dependants were granted leave before the rule change and your course continues into 2025, they can extend their visas until your programme ends.

Applications must be submitted before their current leave expires, using the same Student Route dependant category.

Dependants can work in the UK (full or part time, excluding certain roles), study, and access the NHS through the Immigration Health Surcharge.

What Happens After Study?

Once you complete your course, you may switch to the Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).

Dependants already in the UK can apply to extend their stay under the Graduate Route.

If you secure a job with a sponsoring employer, you and your dependants can switch to the Skilled Worker Route, where family dependant rules are more flexible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming you qualify without checking.
    Always verify your course type and start date before planning dependant visas.
2. Not holding funds for 28 days.
    Bank statements must cover the full period before application.
3. Mixing dependant categories.
    A spouse under the Student Route is not the same as a visitor or Skilled Worker dependant.
4. Ignoring visa expiry dates.
    Late applications risk overstaying and future refusals.

Dr Khalid’s PhD Dependants

Dr Khalid started his PhD at the University of Leeds in October 2024.
In January 2025, his spouse and two children applied as dependants from Pakistan.
Because his programme was research-based and met Home Office criteria, all three visas were approved within five weeks.

Planning early and showing clear financial evidence made the process smooth — something that’s still possible for eligible students today.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Navigating dependant rules is complex, especially after the 2024–2025 changes.
We assist students and families by:

• Checking dependant eligibility under current Home Office guidance
• Reviewing financial and relationship documents
• Submitting dependant applications through our regulated team
• Advising on Graduate Visa and Skilled Worker switch options

Free 30-Minute Case Assessment — Find Out If Your Family Can Join You in the UK.

We’ll check your course type, immigration history, and application timing to make sure you don’t lose the chance to keep your family together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Master’s students bring dependants in 2025?
No, unless your course started before 1 January 2024 or you are government-sponsored.

2. Can PhD students still bring dependants?
Yes — PhD and Doctorate students remain eligible to bring their spouse and children.

3. What is the minimum fund required for dependants?
£845 per month in London or £680 outside London for up to 9 months.

4. Can dependants work in the UK?
Yes, dependants can work full-time with some restrictions (such as no professional sports roles).

5. My dependant visa was refused — can I appeal?
Some cases may qualify for Administrative Review if a Home Office error occurred. Seek advice immediately.

If you’re planning to study in the UK and need to understand dependant rules clearly — don’t guess.

Free 30-Minute Case Assessment — Find Out If Your Family Can Join You in the UK.

Our OISC-regulated team will review your course, advise on eligibility, and prepare dependant applications that meet 2025 Home Office requirements.